Exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise device including a single platform and at least five omnidirectional rolling elements supporting said single platform; said at least five rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface.

The present invention relates to devices to exercise and strengthen themusculature of the body, mobilise the joints and train the nervoussystem for better balance and proprioception.

BACKGROUND

In conditioning the body for body weight, weight bearing exercise, it isoften desirable and necessary to use certain exercise devices to supportand carry part of the body weight. The exercise or stability ball isperhaps the most common device used in this capacity and many devicesexist where a planer surface rolls bi-directionally in a planer motionwithin track; the pilates reformer, the SRF Board and the Total Gym andGravity System are common examples.

The limitation of an exercise ball is that while it rolls in anydirection on a planer surface, it does so in an axial motion meaningthat as the user reaches the end of range of a movement, they losecontact with the device. The limitation of devices running in tracks isthat they are limited to two directions and one plane of motion and alsolimited to the length of the track or base.

Some devices are known which allow for limited multidirectional movementover a supporting surface, but typically these are supported on fourrolling elements such as castors. This configuration has a highpropensity for a device so constructed to tip or flip in certainapplications, especially when a supported limb of a user approaches theouter edge of the platform of the device.

Other limiting features of these designs include;

-   -   Handles or irregular padding on the outer rim or on the upper        surface which direct and limit the manner and direction in which        the exercises are applied.    -   A generally non uniform upper supporting surface    -   Limitations on the use of the entire working area of the upper        supporting surface in this instance referring to inability of        the user to significantly change the angle and point of contact        of the supported limb and body part    -   Support offered by the handles or padding generally directs the        user towards short lever body weight exercises supporting the        elbows and knees but less optimally the hand/s or foot/feet.

The above product design features and limitations do not facilitate freemovement or expression, do not support continuous changes of directionof every major joint through every angle and plane of movement and donot offer the stability to move in every direction while changing thecontact point of the supported limb without flipping or tipping.

It is an object of the present invention to address the abovedisadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative.

Notes

-   1. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the    invention, is not an admission that any information discussed    therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge    of persons skilled in the art in any country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is providedan exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise deviceconsisting of a unitary platform and at least five omnidirectionalrolling elements attached at an underside of said unitary platform; saidat least five rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement ofsaid device over a supporting surface.

Preferably said device characterized in that each tipping axis of saiddevice is no longer than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension whichcan be measured between opposing edges of said single platform.

Preferably, each said tipping axis is defined as a line joining pointsof contact between adjoining ones of said at least five omnidirectionalrolling elements and a supporting surface.

Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements form anequi-spaced array.

Preferably, each of said omnidirectional rolling elements is locatedproximate a periphery of said platform.

Preferably, an overhang area of said periphery beyond a said tippingaxis is such that, in normal use, a force applied by a body weight of auser at said periphery, is unlikely to urge said device into a tiltingmotion about said tipping axis.

Preferably, said at least five omnidirectional rolling elements comprisebetween six and eight omnidirectional rolling elements.

Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said platform having asubstantially planar surface.

Preferably, said platform is a circular platform; said platform having aconcave central portion.

Preferably, said circular platform is provided with a rim at theperiphery of said platform; said rim assisting to urge a user's contactwith said platform inboard of said rim.

Preferably, said concave central portion is provided with a pattern ofraised annular ridges; said annular ridges providing grip for greaterretention of contact between said platform and a said body portion of auser.

Preferably, said concave central portion is covered by a replaceable matof resilient material; said resilient material including thermoplasticrubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed cell) foam.

Preferably, said omnidirectional rolling elements are swivellingcastors.

Preferably, said swivelling castors are low offset and low profilecastors; swivel axes of said castors mounted adjacent said periphery.

Preferably, said rim provides a covering for pintle bolts securing saidcastors to said platform.

Preferably, wheels of said castors are of a non marking resilientmaterial.

In another broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercisedevice for exercising the human body; said exercise device including aplatform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectionalrolling elements supporting said platform; said at least fiveomnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement ofsaid device over a supporting surface, characterized in that no angle,subtended at the centre of said array by a line between swivellingcentres of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elements, isgreater than 72 degrees.

Preferably, a line joining points of contact of adjoining ones of saidomnidirectional rolling elements defines a tipping axis of said device;the length of a said tipping axis being no greater than 0.6D, where D isthe maximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges ofsaid platform.

In yet a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a methodof preventing tipping of an exercise device for exercising the humanbody; said exercise device comprising a circular platform mounted on anarray of at least five omnidirectional rolling elements; said methodincluding the steps of:

-   -   (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five said        omnidirectional rolling elements,    -   (b) positioning said rolling elements proximate the periphery of        said circular platform,    -   and wherein lines between points of contact of adjoining ones of        said omnidirectional rolling elements are not greater in length        than 0.6D, where D is the diameter of said circular platform.

In still another broad form of the invention, there is provided anexercise device for exercising the human body; said exercise deviceincluding a platform and an equi-spaced array of at least fiveomnidirectional rolling elements supporting said platform; said at leastfive omnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectionalmovement of said device over a supporting surface, characterized in thatsaid platform is polygonal in shape; sides of said polygon equallingsaid at least five rolling elements and wherein each of said rollingelements is located proximate a corner of said platform; each tippingaxis of said device being substantially equal in length to a said sideof said polygon.

Preferably, said polygon is an octagon and wherein said at least fiverolling elements comprise eight rolling elements.

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided an exercisedevice for exercising the human body; said exercise device including aplatform and an equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectionalrolling elements supporting said platform; said at least fiveomnidirectional rolling elements permitting omnidirectional movement ofsaid device over a supporting surface, characterized in that each ofsaid rolling elements is mounted to an outrigger element extending froma periphery of said platform; the arrangement being such that eachtipping axis of said device lies beyond said periphery.

Preferably, said platform is circular.

Preferably, said platform is octagonal; one outrigger elements extendingfrom each corner of said octagon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the exercisedevice according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective of an alternative upper structure arrangement ofthe exercise device of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the geometric principles underlying thestability of the device of FIG. 1 when provided with a minimum of fiveomnidirectional rolling elements,

FIG. 4 is a further illustration of the geometric principles when thedevice is provided with eight omnidirectional rolling elements,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of theinvention,

FIG. 6 is view from below of the exercise device of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of theinvention,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of theinvention showing a circular unitary platform,

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of theinvention showing a polygonal unitary platform,

FIG. 10 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 8,

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 9,

FIG. 12 is a view from below of the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 11,

FIG. 13 is a view from below of the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 10,

FIGS. 14 to 17 are views of a single device according to the inventionin one example of use in which both feet are placed on the platform,

FIGS. 18 and 19 are views of the device in use in which a single foot isplaced on the platform,

FIG. 20 is a view of the device in use in which the hands are placed onthe platform,

FIG. 21 is a view of the invention in use in which two devices are usedsimultaneously.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show a further alternative embodiment of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Preferred Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1, the exercise device 10 of the presentinvention in a first preferred form, comprises a unitary platform 12(that is, one single platform) at an underside of which are attached atleast five omnidirectional rolling elements 14. Preferably, platform 12is circular as shown in FIG. 1 and may have a generally planar uppersurface 22. Preferably the device 10 is provided with eightomnidirectional rolling elements 14 in the form of castors 16. Platform12 may be fabricated from any suitable material such as for example,injection moulded polymer, laminated plywood or solid timber, anddie-cast metal alloy.

Omnidirectional rolling elements 14 are mounted as close as possible tothe periphery 18 of platform 12, and form an equi-spaced array. Afeature of the exercise device of the invention is that its inherentstability is defined by the relationship of each of the tipping axes 20of the device to the maximum dimension which may be measured betweenopposing edges of the platform.

A tipping axis 20 is defined as the line joining the points of contact24 with a supporting surface, of adjoining rolling elements. In the caseof the minimum number of five rolling elements equally spaced in anarray, the angle supported by a tipping axis at the centre of the arrayis 72 degrees. A limiting feature of the present invention includes thatthe angle subtended by a tipping axis of the device at the centre of thearray of equally spaced rolling elements cannot be greater than 72degrees.

An object of the invention is to limit the propensity for tipping of thedevice to the point, where in normal use, the weight of a user's body,or portion thereof, placed anywhere on the device, is unlikely to causetilting or tipping of the device. To this end the at least fiveomnidirectional rolling elements 14 of the device 10 are mounted asclose to the periphery 26 of platform 12 as mechanical constraintspermit.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rolling elements14 are swivelling castors 16, the pintles 28 of which are locatedclosely proximate the periphery 26 of platform 12. Preferably, castors16 are low offset castors, that is the distance between the verticalpintle (or swivelling) axis 30 of the castor and its horizontal wheelaxis 32 is a minimum required for the castor to swivel according to thedirection of motion applied to the vertical pintle axis. This ensuresthat the circle of rotation of the castor about its swivel axis 30 iskept to a minimum. This in turn maintains the footprint defined by thepoints of contact 24 of the castor wheels 34 with the supporting surfaceclosely coextensive with the platform of the device, as can be seen inFIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows the relevant geometric relationship between the castorwheel point of contact footprints 110, the maximum length of a tippingaxis 120 for a circular platform, and the minimum five rolling elementsof the device 100. It can be shown that for practical purposes the ratioof the tipping axis 120 to the maximum dimension of the platform 112, inthis case the diameter D, is approximately 0.6D. It is a furtherlimiting feature of the present invention that the length of any tippingaxis is not greater than 0.6D.

FIG. 4 shows the equivalent geometry for the preferred array of eightomnidirectional rolling elements which clearly indicates that any numberof rolling elements greater than five will have a tipping axis lengthshorter than 0.6D. It will also be understood from a comparison of FIGS.3 and 4 that the commensurate overhang area 122 (and hence thepropensity for tipping) decreases with the increasing number of rollingelements.

Turning now again to FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably, the castors 16 are lowprofile castors to keep the upper surface as low as possible. Castors 16also preferably incorporate relatively wide profile wheels 34, the outerrim of which at least is of a resilient non-marking material, such aspolyurethane of 50 ShoreA hardness for example. The castor chassis maybe of pressed metal, stainless steel or aluminium, or be a metalcasting, or even of injection moulded plastic.

FIG. 2 shows a further preferred upper surface in which the centralportion is concave and provided with a number of raised annular rings orridges 35 to provide a better grip for the limb or portion of a user'sbody resting on the device. The raised rings may be integral with thesurface of the concave central portion 36, or is preferably formed as aconcave mat of resilient material such as a thermoplastic elastomer(TPE) of 30 to 60 ShoreA hardness, expanded EVA/PVC (closed cell) foam.It could also be formed of a self adhesive layer of high friction ofcoefficient material such as the “sandpaper” surface used inskateboards. In at least one preferred arrangement, the mat covering thecentral portion 36 is a replaceable item and may be provided in a numberof selectable material and patterns.

Raised outer peripheral rim 38 covering the attachment pintle bolts ofthe castors, assists to urge a user's contact with the device inboard ofthe rim.

Second Preferred Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, in this second preferred embodiment,the platform 112 is in the form of a polygon, preferably an eight-sideregular polygon or octagon. In this arrangement the omnidirectionalrolling elements 114 are located proximate each corner 119 of theplatform 112, as close to each corner 119 as the mechanical constraintsof mounting the rolling elements will permit.

It can be inferred from FIG. 6 that the maximum overhang 140 of theplatform 112 beyond any tipping axis 120 is much reduced, and that thetipping axes are substantially equal to the length of the sides of thepolygon. In the preferred use of castors as rolling elements, it is afunction of the proximity of the mounting position of the castor swivelaxis to the platform periphery, the offset distance of the castor wheelpoint of contact to the swivel axis and the disposition of the castorwheels at any given instant.

Third Preferred Embodiment

In a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with referenceto FIG. 7, the device 210 again comprises a platform 212 which may becircular (as shown in FIG. 7) or polygonal, and which is supported by atleast five omnidirectional rolling elements 216. In this embodimenthowever the rolling elements 216 are mounted to outrigger elements 217extending from the periphery of platform 212.

In the arrangement of FIG. 7 the outrigger elements 217 are equallyspaced around the periphery of platform 212. In the instance of apolygonal platform, an outrigger element is located at each corner ofthe platform. Preferably the omnidirectional rolling elements arecastors having the same low profile and low offset as those describedabove. The length of each outrigger element 217 is such that eachtipping axis 220 (as defined above) lies completely beyond the periphery242 of platform.

This arrangement provides that the device cannot be tipped about atipping axis by any application of the body weight of a user at anypoint on platform 212.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention with reference toFIGS. 8 to 11, the exercise device 200 is again comprised of a singlepiece, unitary construction, platform 210, surmounting at least five,preferably eight, rolling elements 212. Platform 210 may be circular asshown in FIG. 8 or in the form of a regular polygon as shown in FIG. 9.

Preferably, platform 210 has a slightly concave upper surface 214,unobstructed by handles, strap attachment points or other projections orindentation. The platform 210 is of a size that allows two limbs, forexample two hands or two feet of a user as can be seen in FIGS. 14 to 17and FIG. 20 to be placed in any desired position on the surface 214simultaneously. Moreover, the platform 210 preferably is large enough toallow a repositioning of one or both of the limbs supported on it as thedevice 200 is in rolling motion over a supporting surface. Preferably,the maximum dimension of the platform from a point on the periphery 216to a diametrically opposite point, is not less than 34 cm.

The unitary platform 210 may be formed from various materials andmanufactured in various ways. These include wood, for example as mouldedplywood, plastic formed through injection moulding or metal formed bypressing or die casting.

The rolling elements 212 are preferably low-profile castors and aremounted with their swivel or pintel axes 218 as close to the periphery216 of the platform 210 as mechanical constraints permit.

With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, at any time, a line between thecontact points of two adjacent castor wheels 212 with a supportingsurface, defines a tipping axis 220 of the device 200, and the polygondefined by all the tipping axes 220 forms the “footprint” of the deviceon the supporting surface.

It can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13 that the disposition of the tippingaxes 220, and hence that of the footprint relative to the platform 210,changes with the instantaneous direction of movement of the device whenin use. It will also be appreciated that the greater the number, andtherefore the closer the spacing of the rolling elements 212 at theperiphery 216, the closer the footprint and the platform become to beingsubstantially coextensive. With the preferred number of eight equallyspaced rolling elements 212 mounted with their swivel axes 218 in closeproximity to the platform periphery 216, the platform and the footprintare substantially coextensive, as can be seen particularly in the caseof the polygonal platform in FIG. 12. If the platform 200 is a regularpolygon in shape, with the swivel axes 218 of the castors locatedsufficiently close to the corners 222 of the polygon as shown in FIG.11, at least some of the tipping axes 220 at any one time will besubstantially coincident with the periphery 216 of the platform 210 whenseen in plan view.

In at least one preferred arrangement of the present embodiment, inwhich the platform is octagonal with each of the castors located inclose proximity to the corners of the platform, at least one tippingaxis lies beyond a side of the platform (when seen in plan view) for atleast some of the time when the device is in motion 2. This situationcan be seen in FIG. 12.

As well, as also can be seen in each of FIGS. 10 to 13, at least someportions of some of the rolling elements at the trailing edge of edgesof the platform 210, relative to the direction of motion, will projectpast the periphery 216 of the platform.

It is a feature of the present preferred embodiment that, with eightrolling elements 212 in which the swivel axes 218 are mounted in closeproximity to the periphery 216, the length of any tipping axis 220 isnot less than 0.35D, where D is the maximum length between any firstpoint on the periphery of the platform and a second diametricallyopposite point on the periphery.

Similarly, with the swivel axis of the rolling elements in closeproximity to the periphery, a seven rolling element device according tothe invention will have a tipping axis of length not less than 0.4D, fora six rolling element device a tipping axis of length not less than0.45D, and for a five rolling element device, a tipping axis length ofnot less than 0.53D.

For each of these rolling element configurations, these minimum lengthsof tipping axes provide the maximum stability possible for a platformwith castor rolling elements, unless the rolling elements are mounted inthe manner shown in FIG. 7 and described in the Third PreferredEmbodiment above.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment

In a further alternative embodiment of the device 300 with reference toFIGS. 22 and 23, the rolling elements may take the form of ball transferunits 316. Again these units 316 are mounted as close to the periphery326 as mechanical constraints permit to ensure maximum stability of theplatform 312, regardless of the placing of one or both limbs of a user.

Ball transfer units 316 which comprise of a spherical rolling element334 supported in a casing which allows the rolling element to rotate inany direction, have a fixed point of contact with a supporting surfacerelative to the platform. Thus the footprint of the device of theinvention when fitted with this type of rolling element is constant, ascan be seen in FIG. 23. Depending on the size of the ball transfer units316 employed and the proximity of their mounting to the periphery 326 ofthe platform 312, the footprint defined by the tipping axes 320 of thedevice in this instance may be only slightly smaller than the platformitself.

In Use

In use, the exercise device of the first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is almost incapable of being tilted about a tippingaxis as defined above, by the loads placed on the device by a user.Moreover, the unobstructed upper surface provides the flexibility ofsupporting a limb or portion of the body in any orientation. Thepreferred use of low offset castors for the omnidirectional rollingelements provide for almost instantaneous response to changes ofdirection urged by movements of the user.

By arranging the shape of the platform as a polygon with the rollingelements located proximate each corner, the region of possible overhangof the platform beyond a tipping axis, is reduced to a minimum, furtherdecreasing the likelihood of the device being tipped.

The arrangement of the third preferred embodiment completely precludesthe tipping of the device about a tipping axis, by any application ofbody weight to the platform.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention andmodifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made theretowithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

1. An exercise device for exercising the human body; said exercisedevice consisting of a unitary platform and at least fiveomnidirectional rolling elements attached at an underside of saidunitary platform; said at least five rolling elements permittingomnidirectional movement of said device over a supporting surface. 2.The device of claim 1 wherein said device characterized in that eachtipping axis of said device is no longer than 0.6D, where D is themaximum dimension which can be measured between opposing edges of saidsingle platform.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein each said tipping axisis defined as a line joining points of contact between adjoining ones ofsaid at least five omnidirectional rolling elements and a supportingsurface.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein said at least fiveomnidirectional rolling elements form an equi-spaced array.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein each of said omnidirectional rolling elementsis located proximate a periphery of said platform.
 6. The device ofclaim 5 wherein an overhang area of said periphery beyond a said tippingaxis is such that, in normal use, a force applied by a body weight of auser at said periphery, is unlikely to urge said device into a tiltingmotion about said tipping axis.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein said atleast five omnidirectional rolling elements comprise between six andeight omnidirectional rolling elements.
 8. The device of claim 1 whereinsaid platform is a circular platform; said platform having asubstantially planar surface.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein saidplatform is a circular platform; said platform having a concave centralportion.
 10. The device of claim 8 wherein said circular platform isprovided with a rim at the periphery of said platform; said rimassisting to urge a user's contact with said platform inboard of saidrim.
 11. The device of claim 9 wherein said concave central portion isprovided with a pattern of raised annular ridges; said annular ridgesproviding grip for greater retention of contact between said platformand a said body portion of a user.
 12. The device of claim 9 whereinsaid concave central portion is covered by a replaceable mat ofresilient material; said resilient material including thermoplasticrubber or expanded EVA/PVS (closed cell) foam.
 13. The device of claim 1wherein said omnidirectional rolling elements are swivelling castors.14. The device of claim 13 wherein said swivelling castors are lowoffset and low profile castors; swivel axes of said castors mountedadjacent said periphery.
 15. The device of claim 10 wherein said rimprovides a covering for pintle bolts securing said castors to saidplatform.
 16. The device of claim 13 wherein wheels of said castors areof a non marking resilient material.
 17. An exercise device forexercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform andan equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elementssupporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rollingelements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over asupporting surface, characterized in that no angle, subtended at thecentre of said array by a line between swivelling centres of adjoiningones of said omnidirectional rolling elements, is greater than 72degrees.
 18. The device of claim 17 wherein a line joining points ofcontact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectional rolling elementsdefines a tipping axis of said device; the length of a said tipping axisbeing no greater than 0.6D, where D is the maximum dimension which canbe measured between opposing edges of said platform.
 19. A method ofpreventing tipping of an exercise device for exercising the human body;said exercise device comprising a circular platform mounted on an arrayof at least five omnidirectional rolling elements; said method includingthe steps of: (a) mounting said circular platform on at least five saidomnidirectional rolling elements, (b) positioning said rolling elementsproximate the periphery of said circular platform, and wherein linesbetween points of contact of adjoining ones of said omnidirectionalrolling elements are not greater in length than 0.6D, where D is thediameter of said circular platform.
 20. An exercise device forexercising the human body; said exercise device including a platform andan equi-spaced array of at least five omnidirectional rolling elementssupporting said platform; said at least five omnidirectional rollingelements permitting omnidirectional movement of said device over asupporting surface, characterized in that said platform is polygonal inshape; sides of said polygon equalling said at least five rollingelements and wherein each of said rolling elements is located proximatea corner of said platform; each tipping axis of said device beingsubstantially equal in length to a said side of said polygon. 21.-36.(canceled)